Overdoses in Alabama Tripled Since 1999

By The Associated Press&nbsp|&nbsp

Posted: Wed 3:36 PM, Oct 09, 2013&nbsp|&nbsp

Updated: Tue 4:03 PM, Oct 15, 2013

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) -- Alabama public health officials say they're aware of statistics in a report saying Alabama's prescription drug overdose rate has nearly tripled since 1999 and they are working with other agencies to confront the problem.

Reports say that a national report by Trust for America's Health says Alabama's fatal prescription drug overdose rate has jumped from 3.9 per 100,000 people in 1999 to 11.8 per 100,000 people.

Pharmacy Director for the Alabama Department of Public Health, Charles Thomas, says state officials are working to address the issue.

The newspaper reports Gov. Robert Bentley signed three bills into law in mid-August to address prescription drug abuse in Alabama.

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